Maximum man Lawson pleased to win battle against Barker

MAXIMUM man Richard Lawson admitted his delight in getting the upper hand on Plymouth skipper Ben Barker – as he shot Poole Pirates to a 58-32 victory over the Gladiators.

The rider nicknamed ‘Rocketman” banged in a 15-point maximum at Wimborne Road as the Pirates put themselves in the box seat to progress to the semi-final stage of the BSN series.

Tom Brennan (12) and Sam Hagon (11+2) also impressed to help Poole take a 26-point lead to the Coliseum tonight (Saturday) knowing recording the aggregate bonus-point against Plymouth would see them top their group.

Lawson said: “I really enjoyed it. There were a few fans that came up to me before the meeting and said they weren’t big fans of Mr Barker.

“So I said I’d get one over on him. I think I got four over on him, so I hope you were happy!

“We’ve built up a good lead now, so let’s finish it off.”

Barker totalled 8+1 from seven rides for the visitors, after number one Nico Covatti was forced to withdraw through injury.

Dan Thompson (10) top scored for Garry May’s chargers.

?? FINAL SCORE | POOLE 58 - 32 PLYMOUTH

?? The Pirates dominate, sending the Gladiators down the plank and taking a strong lead into tomorrow's BSN Series decider!

??‍?? #PiratePride pic.twitter.com/ZYP9GA9Xje

— Poole Pirates Speedway (@poolespeedway) May 24, 2024

Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch added: "That was a clinical performance for sure.

“I told the boys ahead of the meeting to be wary of Plymouth as they have produced some good results of their own this season and their tails would be up, but we put in a great show and have a very healthy lead in the quest for the bonus point that we need to go through from our group. 

“To be honest, I asked the lads for a 10 to 15 point lead, so with a 26-point advantage they more than delivered and gives us a bit of a cushion when we go there.

“They all put in a good shift and Richard proved yet again he is just a points machine. He is such a great bloke. He just loves his speedway so much, he is brilliant. Just turns up, goes out there and does his stuff and is supportive in the pits too.

“He is so happy in his work and I have always said, if you are happy in your work then it is more than half the battle, and that feeling goes beyond Richard as we have a full set of riders who are so good to work with. 

“The job is not yet done, let's not get too carried away, for I have said it before, it can be a bit of a tricky track to ride down there, but with a points lead to fall back on we have certainly made our job a bit easier.”

(Picture: Tony Hartmann)